 you,« said Thomas, as they shook hands. »My brother is
completely floored. When I got here an hour ago, I insisted on his lying down,
and now I think he's asleep. If you don't mind, we'll let him rest for a little.
I believe he has hardly closed his eyes since this unfortunate affair happened.«
    »It rejoiced me to hear that he was going to ask your advice. How do matters
stand?«
    »You know Mrs. Jacox?«
    Thomas was obviously a man of discretion, but less intellectual than his
brother; he spoke like one who is accustomed to the management of affairs. At
first he was inclined to a polite reserve, but Earwaker's conversation speedily
put him more at ease.
    »I have quite made up my mind,« he said presently, »that we must take him
away with us to-morrow. The voyage will bring him to his senses.«
    »Of course he resists?«
    »Yes, but if you will give me your help, I think we can manage him. He is
not very strong-willed. In a spasmodic way he can defy everyone, but the steady
pressure of common sense will prevail with him, I think.«
    They had talked for half-an-hour, when the door opened and the object of
their benevolent cares stood before them. He was clad in a dressing-gown, and
his disordered hair heightened the look of illness which his features presented.
    »Why didn't you call me?« he asked his brother, irritably. »Earwaker, I beg
a thousand pardons! I'm not very well; I've overslept myself.«
    »Yes, yes; come and sit down.«
    Thomas made an offer to leave them.
    »Don't go,« said Malkin. »No need whatever. You know why Earwaker has been
so kind as to come here. We may as well talk it over together.«
    He sat on the table, swinging a tassel of his dressing-gown round and round.
    »Now, what do you really think of doing?« asked the journalist, in a kind
voice.
    »I don't know. I absolutely do not know. I'm unutterably wretched.«
    »In that case, will you let your brother and me decide for you? We have no
desire but for your good, and we are perfectly at one in our judgment.«
    »Of course I know what you will propose!«
